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Growing Our Thankfulness

Growing Our Thankfulness

God does amazing things in our trials.

“All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and morepeople may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.”2 Corinthians 4:15

We all have times in our lives that seem so heavy. Trials are the hardest times to be happy and thankful. A long time ago, I heard a person quote the bible verse Philippians 4:12 “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.”

I thought this was the most bizarre thing that I had ever heard. I did not understand this kind of thinking until I was put in the situation to understand it.

During our trial with countless struggles, I wasn’t able to see the blessing at first and grow our thankfulness. As I prayed for answers to my questions, “Why does life keep throwing the punches to a young man who remains faithful in his faith, gives God the glory for all of his healing, and prays daily thanking God for all that he has done? Why does life have to be so challenging during the weakest times in Jacob’s life? Why when Jacob takes a leap forward does the rug get snatched underneath him? Here is what my family learned.

During every trial, God was growing all of us. Though each trial we remained faithful in prayer and relied on God to answer. It was not easy waiting, and it was so hard to watch my son being challenged any way he turned. But what was most rewarding is seeing him being able to accept all challenges. After a while, the trials stopped surprising me… I began to understand and see first-hand the young man that God was creating for his glory. Every challenge made Jacob stronger, have a bigger heart, more confident, undefeatable, and shaped him into a man that could see blessing in trials, victory over suffering, and success over failure. I am so thankful for God growing our thankfulness.

We would not change what has happened in our family even if we could. Each of us has grown stronger in our faith. The man Jacob has become through this adversity is amazing. We choose to let these challenges build our character. I have learned so many things in three years. I have been brought to my knees sometimes daily.

We all have learned how powerful and the strong effect that gratitude and thankfulness can have. When you allow God to battle for you, miraculous things happen.

“Persevere in prayer, watching in it with thanksgiving.” Colossians 4:2“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he hasstood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised tothose who love him. James 1:12

“Glory follows afflictions, not as the day follows the night but as the spring follows the winter; for the winter prepares the earth for the spring, so do afflictions sanctified prepare the soul for glory.”Richard Sibbes

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About Susan Browder

“Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” Hebrews 11:1
I grew up in a small town in Alabama called Boligee. I am a wife and a mom to two sons, Nick who is 24 and married to his sweet wife, Mallory, and Jacob who is 18. My husband, Nicky, is a person of who I am so proud.
Our lives changed forever on September 6, 2014 about 7:00 pm. Our son, Jacob, had an accident that would deeper our faith in God and challenge us in ways we never dreamed. My prayer is that our story will encourage others in their struggles with life altering experiences. My writing will be our testimonies but more than that it is about how we have a loving, caring God that carries us through the most difficult times of our lives.

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One thought on “Growing Our Thankfulness”

This is so encouraging for those going through trials !! I have to look at Jacob twice to make sure it is him!! He is a splendid example of God’s mercy and the strength of God working through weakness! He looks so much like you in the picture in this post! Blessings !! ❤️